Upturn Celebrates Its Recognition in the Top 100 UK Social Enterprises
We are thrilled to announce our recent recognition as one of the Top 100 UK social enterprises in the prestigious NatWest SE100 Index. This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating positive change in our communities.
Founded 20 years ago by Anwar Ali OBE and Maria Williams, Upturn has consistently worked towards improving the lives of people in disadvantaged communities and diverse groups across the region. Our approach has been multifaceted, encompassing three distinct arms: people, communities, and enterprise.
In the past two years alone, our efforts have enabled over 800 individuals to embark on new paths in training, education, or employment. Additionally, we've proudly allocated £2 million towards outreach programmes in disadvantaged communities. Our support has also been instrumental in launching 127 new businesses in the last year.
Our CEO, Anwar Ali, who is also celebrated as Oldham’s Social Enterprise Ambassador, expressed his pride in this achievement: “This is an amazing achievement and a credit to our team and the great work they do every day to help the people of Oldham and across Greater Manchester. A huge congratulations to all the organisations who have been recognised in the top 100 social enterprises in the UK and who are striving to make real changes to their communities, towns and cities.”
Anwar further emphasized the broader impact of this recognition: “This is a recognition of the impact of social enterprises and how they are helping to solve society’s social and environmental problems. I would encourage businesses to work with social enterprises, not purely to be good, but because it makes business sense. I believe that social enterprises are the future, and if the public and private sector work together we can solve society’s problems.”
The NatWest SE100 Index, a collaboration between Pioneers Post and NatWest Social & Community Capital, highlights social enterprises that excel in various business and impact-driven criteria, including financial performance, impact measurement and management, and commitment to climate and equality issues. Megan Virrels, CEO of NatWest Social & Community Capital, also extended her congratulations, reflecting on the sector's resilience, ambition, and creativity.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this achievement and discussing the impact of social enterprise at a roundtable discussion and afternoon tea with Anwar Ali on August 2, 2023. The event will take place at 4pm at Kick Sonic Indoor Football Centre, Waddington Street, Oldham.
Come and be part of our journey as we continue to make a difference in our communities and beyond.
